https://www.scmp.com/rss/326722/feed Before moving to Hong Kong, Cheryl covered the economy in her native Philippines. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong construction and engineering company Able Engineering has secured a residential site in Tung Chung for a higher-than-expected HK$1.627 billion (US$207 million) premium, outbidding five groups of major developers in the city. Able Best, a construction and private development unit of Able Engineering, secured a 50-year land grant for the 152,332 sq ft plot, according to a statement from the Lands Department on Tuesday. The winning bid topped analysts’ estimates, which ranged between... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354122/non-traditional-hong-kong-bidder-tops-property-giants-tung-chung-hk16b-land-auction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354122/non-traditional-hong-kong-bidder-tops-property-giants-tung-chung-hk16b-land-auction?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 10:54:45 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal,Peggy Ye Cheryl Arcibal,Peggy Ye Hong Kong actors Nick Cheung and William Chan have become the latest high-end homeowners to sell their units amid a strengthening recovery in the city’s luxury property market. Transactions in the segment more than doubled in the first quarter of the year, compared with the same period in 2025, according to consultancy CBRE. Cheung sold his flat at Grenville House in Mid-Levels for HK$132 million (US$16.86 million) to buyers identified as Lee Yuen Ann Geoffery and Xu Ranying, Land Registry... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354075/hong-kong-stars-nick-cheung-and-william-chan-join-wave-upmarket-home-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354075/hong-kong-stars-nick-cheung-and-william-chan-join-wave-upmarket-home-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 07:39:40 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s residential property market recovery is unlikely to be derailed by a potential increase in interest rates amid the Middle East conflict, as demand is supported by professionals relocating to the city and surging rents, according to Moody’s Ratings. At the same time, the moribund office and retail property sectors were showing signs of improvement on the back of leasing activity despite continued headwinds, the credit-rating agency said in a commentary released on Monday. “We expect... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354005/hong-kong-property-upswing-poised-hold-despite-interest-rates-risk-moodys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354005/hong-kong-property-upswing-poised-hold-despite-interest-rates-risk-moodys?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 23:00:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Secondary home prices in mainland China’s major cities rose in April, according to official data, offering further encouraging signs that the struggling property sector is bottoming out, analysts said. Used home prices in the first-tier cities rose, led by Shanghai’s 0.7 per cent increase on a monthly basis, followed by a rise of 0.4 per cent in Beijing, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday showed. Prices in Shenzhen also grew by 0.3 per cent, while Guangzhou inched... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353943/rising-secondary-home-prices-chinas-major-cities-april-stoke-hopes-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353943/rising-secondary-home-prices-chinas-major-cities-april-stoke-hopes-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 06:51:54 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s retail property market is gradually building momentum as spending and confidence of consumers and tourists return, according to analysts. Unlike the city’s past peak rental levels, however, this time the tenant mix was more diversified, with retailers offering unique experiences and products that enhanced their appeal to shoppers, they said. “We see structural shifts towards more experience-driven and diversified tenant mixes, rather than a full return to past peak rental levels,”... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353716/fresh-concepts-lift-hong-kong-retail-property-tourists-and-consumers-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353716/fresh-concepts-lift-hong-kong-retail-property-tourists-and-consumers-return?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 02:00:08 +0000 Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Hundreds of prospective buyers gravitated to a Sun Hung Kai Properties’ (SHKP’s) project in the New Territories on Saturday, keen to view the 121 flats on offer in a fresh sign that Hong Kong’s home market is on a sustained upwards cycle despite risk caution. By 5.30pm, all of the homes at Lime Spark in Tsuen Wan had found buyers, while some bullish investors offered to buy more than one unit, according to property agents. “Despite a 2 to 3 per cent price increase, the next round [of 121 units]... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3353813/buyers-flock-shkp-project-new-territories-confidence-grows-home-market-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3353813/buyers-flock-shkp-project-new-territories-confidence-grows-home-market-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 08:49:58 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The Hong Kong government’s first land sale in the current financial year has drawn six bids, according to the Development Bureau, including those from the city’s largest developers, suggesting a more confident outlook for the residential property market. At the close of tender for Tung Chung Town Lot No 54 at Area 106A on Friday noon, Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) submitted a solo bid, while Kerry Properties and Sino Land submitted a joint offer, the groups separately confirmed to the South... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353737/6-bids-hong-kong-land-sale-signal-renewed-confidence-despite-market-caution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353737/6-bids-hong-kong-land-sale-signal-renewed-confidence-despite-market-caution?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:06 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Office rents in Hong Kong’s Central district are expected to rise faster in the second quarter of the year, according to analysts, a reversal of a multi-year slump that began in the second half of 2019. The latest forecast was made by US bank Citi, which said premium offices in the city’s main business zone had seen rents rise 1.7 per cent from a trough in October, with room for further increments between the second half this year and 2027. “Lease negotiation dynamics had started to favour... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353468/hong-kongs-central-office-rents-set-reverse-multi-year-slump-gains-second-half?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353468/hong-kongs-central-office-rents-set-reverse-multi-year-slump-gains-second-half?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 23:00:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Henderson Land Development secured the first biodiversity loan in Hong Kong, receiving around HK$100 million (US$12.8 million) from HSBC and Hang Seng Bank for green initiatives at Central Yards, the company’s flagship mixed-use development on the New Central Harbourfront. This loan would provide a “scalable blueprint” for companies to achieve their sustainability goals and enhance Hong Kong’s position as a leading international sustainable finance centre, according to the two banks. The... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353428/hong-kongs-first-biodiversity-loan-goes-henderson-land-central-yards-green-spaces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353428/hong-kongs-first-biodiversity-loan-goes-henderson-land-central-yards-green-spaces?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 09:30:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The Asia-Pacific region’s commercial property investments surged in the first quarter, according to data tracked by analysts, as early signs of recovery in office and retail segments across Hong Kong and mainland China boosted deal volumes. Total investment in offices, retail spaces, industrial units, data centres, hotels, apartments, senior housing and other asset classes climbed 22 per cent to US$51.1 billion from the same period in 2025, data from MSCI showed. Hong Kong contributed US$1.8... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353239/hong-kong-mainland-china-spur-surge-asia-pacific-commercial-property-deals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353239/hong-kong-mainland-china-spur-surge-asia-pacific-commercial-property-deals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui has retained its title as Asia’s priciest luxury retail strip, commanding €16,160 (US$18,980) per square metre in annual rents, as the city remains among the world’s most active markets in terms of new high-end store openings, according to Savills. London’s Bond Street replaced Tsim Sha Tsui as the top global luxury retail property market with rents of €19,228 per square metre per year, according to the ninth edition of the UK-based property consultancy’s Global Luxury... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353134/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-tops-asia-luxury-retail-rents-bond-street-worlds-priciest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353134/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-tops-asia-luxury-retail-rents-bond-street-worlds-priciest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 08:35:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s West Kowloon is poised to emerge as the second-most important office sub-market after Central with the completion of new buildings that will accommodate banks and insurance companies, according to industry officials. However, there was expected to be limited demand from newcomers or via corporate expansion, with leasing activity dominated by relocations and higher vacancy rates in some of the city’s other business districts. The 40-hectare stretch of reclaimed land is being touted as... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352926/hong-kongs-cultural-hub-west-kowloon-emerging-central-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352926/hong-kongs-cultural-hub-west-kowloon-emerging-central-20?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 May 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers snapped up new flats on offer on Saturday, fuelling optimism that the bull run in the city’s property market will continue. All 154 units at Sun Hung Kai Properties’ Lime Spark project sold out as of 4.30pm, while 147 homes, or 93 per cent of the 158 flats available at Henderson Land’s Highwood Phase 2 project, found buyers, according to real property agents. “Home prices have climbed by nearly 8 per cent this year, and prospective buyers are likely to find that a delay in... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3352997/hong-kong-home-market-maintains-upwards-momentum-eager-buyers-snap-new-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3352997/hong-kong-home-market-maintains-upwards-momentum-eager-buyers-snap-new-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 May 2026 11:13:54 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The competition could intensify at tenders for Hong Kong’s residential plots as developers replenish their land banks amid a recovering property market, with the tug of war testing their financial discipline as they bid for parcels at a “noticeable premium”, according to S&P Global Ratings, though some analysts believe that the return of confidence is warranted given robust demand for housing units. The credit-rating agency also forecast a relatively modest residential market recovery, which... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352601/what-does-improved-hong-kong-property-outlook-mean-land-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352601/what-does-improved-hong-kong-property-outlook-mean-land-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 10:29:41 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong property transactions surged to a four-month high in April, while the value and volume of home sales hit their highest level in 24 months, according to the latest official data, underscoring the resilience of the city’s real estate sector amid uncertainties over interest rates and the US-Israel war on Iran. A total of 8,692 transactions across homes, offices, shops, car parking spots and industrial spaces were concluded last month, up 12.3 per cent from March’s 7,737 deals, according... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352506/hong-kong-home-sales-surge-2-year-high-boosting-overall-transactions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352506/hong-kong-home-sales-surge-2-year-high-boosting-overall-transactions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 May 2026 10:45:04 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s property market is poised for a broad-based recovery as a strong upturn in the residential segment spills over to the struggling office and retail sectors, according to analysts. Morgan Stanley upgraded its forecast for the city’s home prices to a 12 per cent increase this year from 10 per cent previously and anticipated another 5 per cent rise in 2027, it said in a report on Monday. Likewise, the office property segment was likely to see some relief, with Hong Kong’s top business... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352357/hong-kong-residential-property-upturn-drives-recovery-office-retail-morgan-stanley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352357/hong-kong-residential-property-upturn-drives-recovery-office-retail-morgan-stanley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2026 09:15:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal China has become one of the largest sources of investment in land parcels and other properties in Singapore, as the safe-haven status of Southeast Asia’s top financial hub continues to attract global capital, according to analysts. China-linked developers and business entities have become more active in the market, said Alan Cheong, executive director for research and consultancy at Savills Singapore. “Chinese developers who have had experience in Singapore are now familiar with the rules,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352046/singapores-safe-haven-status-draws-more-chinese-capital-property-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352046/singapores-safe-haven-status-draws-more-chinese-capital-property-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 May 2026 02:00:09 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers snapped up most of the new flats released on Thursday, with developers beginning to ramp up new construction amid sustained housing demand. All 120 units at the One Victoria Cove I in Hung Hom, jointly developed by Henderson Land Development, Hysan Development and Empire Group, were sold by 5.20pm, according to agents. Meanwhile, New World Development (NWD) and MTR Corp’s Pavilia Farm III above Tai Wai MTR station found buyers for 19 of the 45 units as of 6.50pm. Most recent... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352063/hong-kong-homebuyers-flock-new-launches-flats-sell-out-swiftly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352063/hong-kong-homebuyers-flock-new-launches-flats-sell-out-swiftly?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:35:13 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Non-local residents in Shenzhen can now buy property in some of the city’s core districts after the local housing authority eased restrictions and raised home-loan caps, a move likely to further improve the real estate prospects of mainland China’s top tech powerhouse. Those holding a valid residence permit can buy one residential unit in Futian and Nanshan districts, and Xinan in Baoan district, without having to pay social security or individual tax for a year. The rules came into effect on... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351968/chinas-top-tech-hub-shenzhen-eases-homebuying-curbs-raises-loan-caps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351968/chinas-top-tech-hub-shenzhen-eases-homebuying-curbs-raises-loan-caps?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices jumped 1.4 per cent to a 28-month high in March, according to the latest official data on Tuesday, with the property market remaining resilient despite uncertainties created by the US-Israel war on Iran. The widely watched index released by the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) stood at 312.8 last month, the highest since 315.6 in November 2023. The increase reflected a sustained recovery that began 11 months ago, showing a cumulative price gain of nearly 9.2... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351644/hong-kong-home-prices-rise-higher-march-rents-peak-fifth-month-straight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351644/hong-kong-home-prices-rise-higher-march-rents-peak-fifth-month-straight?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:38:44 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s sales of luxury homes more than doubled in the first quarter from a year earlier, helped by a buoyant stock market and attractively priced assets that drew the attention of wealthy investors including mainland Chinese buyers, according to analysts. The segment was likely to record another increase in the second quarter, they added. “With the wealth effect from accumulated gains in the stock market over the past two years, both local and mainland Chinese capital have seized the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351361/frenzy-hong-kong-luxury-homes-set-continue-after-156-sales-rise-first-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351361/frenzy-hong-kong-luxury-homes-set-continue-after-156-sales-rise-first-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:00:21 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong developers released nearly 300 new flats to the market amid enthusiastic demand from potential homebuyers as the latest official data show completion of private residential units is set to decline this year and next. By 6pm, all 218 units at the One Victoria Cove Phase I in Hung Hom, jointly developed by Henderson Land Development, Hysan Development and Empire Group, were sold, while at the Pavilia Farm III atop Tai Wai station in Sha Tin by New World Development (NWD) and MTR... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351421/hong-kong-developers-clear-stock-amid-strong-demand-and-shrinking-supply?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351421/hong-kong-developers-clear-stock-amid-strong-demand-and-shrinking-supply?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:40:29 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Mainland China’s population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) – those with assets exceeding US$30 million – has grown by 23 per cent over the past five years to 121,677, and is projected to expand a further 18.8 per cent to 144,602 by 2031, according to Knight Frank. Despite that growth, China’s share of global UHNWIs edged down by one percentage point to 17 per cent this year and was expected to fall further to 15 per cent by 2031, as rapid wealth creation in the United States... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351114/mainland-chinas-ultra-wealthy-numbers-rise-hong-kong-tipped-faster-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351114/mainland-chinas-ultra-wealthy-numbers-rise-hong-kong-tipped-faster-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:03 +0000 Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal A consortium led by Sino Land, alongside state-backed mainland developers China Overseas Land & Investment and China Merchants Land, has won a tender for the Kam Sheung Road Station Phase Two development, signalling continued confidence in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis and its long-term growth prospects, particularly among mainland developers. The group – which also includes Great Eagle Holdings – plans to invest more than HK$13 billion (US$1.7 billion) to build high-quality residential... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3350904/sino-land-led-consortium-clinches-kam-sheung-road-phase-two-us17-billion-investment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3350904/sino-land-led-consortium-clinches-kam-sheung-road-phase-two-us17-billion-investment?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:30:30 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s commercial property market attracted US$1.6 billion in investment in the first quarter, up 41 per cent from a year earlier, as demand for office, retail and hotel assets picked up amid improving liquidity, according to JLL. Investment volumes could receive a further boost from global investors looking to redeploy their capital amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, the property consultancy said in a report on Tuesday. “With Asia increasingly perceived as a relatively... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350899/hong-kong-property-investment-soars-lower-funding-costs-rising-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350899/hong-kong-property-investment-soars-lower-funding-costs-rising-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:30:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation said on Monday that it had received eight bids for a commercial and residential development at one of the critical hubs in the Northern Metropolis, a large-scale project that aims to bolster the city’s economic base and foster closer integration with the Greater Bay Area. The number of bids for the Kam Sheung Road Station Phase Two property development exceeded expectations, indicating developers’ interest in the Northern Metropolis project, according to analysts. The... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350761/hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-gains-momentum-key-project-attracts-8-bids?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350761/hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-gains-momentum-key-project-attracts-8-bids?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong-headquartered Toys ‘R’ Us Asia has pivoted to an experience-focused format and smaller stores in the city following an expansion programme that sought to increase its outlets as it navigates the changing retail landscape. The group planned to close the year with 20 stores in Hong Kong, representing a 40 per cent rise from 2025, said Leo Tsoi, CEO of the toys and collectibles retailer. The strategy allows the group to be more nimble and adapt to the demographic shift, as toys and... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350624/toys-r-us-game-changer-kidults-compact-shops-fuel-pivot-hong-kong-retail-evolves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350624/toys-r-us-game-changer-kidults-compact-shops-fuel-pivot-hong-kong-retail-evolves?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:30:13 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers’ strong demand for new flats extended a streak of brisk sales for developers with one project selling out in a single day, underscoring the city’s broader recovery in housing prices. All 88 units at the Pavilia Farm III project by New World Development and MTR Corporation in Sha Tin were sold on Saturday, prompting the developers to put 75 more flats on sale later that night. Elsewhere in Kai Tak, 133 units of KT Marina II were snapped up over the weekend, according to... https://www.scmp.com/property/hong-kong-china/article/3350638/hong-kong-homebuyers-extend-sell-out-streak-amid-renewed-confidence-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/property/hong-kong-china/article/3350638/hong-kong-homebuyers-extend-sell-out-streak-amid-renewed-confidence-market?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:10:25 +0000 Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal Growing public anxiety over artificial intelligence-driven job loss, especially in technology and other white-collar sectors, has weighed on housing sentiment in the US and India. Yet data remains insufficient to quantify the direct impact of AI-related job fears on China’s sluggish home-buying sentiment, though analysts expect such concerns to make households more cautious about long-term housing purchase decisions. China’s rapid AI adoption to boost automation and productivity had implications... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350466/will-ai-job-fears-hurt-chinas-housing-market-they-have-us-and-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350466/will-ai-job-fears-hurt-chinas-housing-market-they-have-us-and-india?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:00:12 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Futu Securities is the latest non-food and beverage retailer to sell coffee and other drinks in one of its outlets in Hong Kong as the online stock brokerage adapts to its clients’ lifestyle, according to a spokesman. Futu Café was officially launched on Thursday at the Futu Store on Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay, close to its flagship store on Russell Street. Cups of espresso, Americano and iced blue coconut water, among other drinks, are available between 7.30am and 7.30pm. The launch of the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350205/futu-securities-opens-coffee-shop-branch-it-adapts-changing-client-lifestyles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350205/futu-securities-opens-coffee-shop-branch-it-adapts-changing-client-lifestyles?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:30:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal DBS Bank (Hong Kong) has agreed to pay about HK$2.62 billion (US$334 million) for six floors at The Center – once the world’s most expensive skyscraper – marking the city’s largest office transaction so far this year. The lender acquired the 32nd, 36th, 37th, 56th, 62nd and 76th floors late last month, with the deal registered on Tuesday, according to Land Registry records. The purchase adds 151,934 sq ft of gross floor area, DBS said in a statement on Wednesday. The price works out to roughly... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350140/dbs-hong-kong-acquires-six-floors-center-us334-million-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350140/dbs-hong-kong-acquires-six-floors-center-us334-million-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:50:31 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s reputation as a safe haven could be reinforced by the geopolitical shock waves from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, potentially supporting demand for premium office space in its core business districts, according to analysts. While the city was not insulated from global uncertainty, it could benefit over the medium term as Gulf investors reassessed geographic diversification and sought stable financial hubs, said Jack Tong, director of research and consultancy at Savills Hong... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349700/geopolitical-tensions-may-bolster-hong-kong-office-demand-gulf-capital-looks-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349700/geopolitical-tensions-may-bolster-hong-kong-office-demand-gulf-capital-looks-east?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:00:11 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong developers are preparing to launch nearly 1,300 units in the coming days and weeks, with some edging up prices amid improving homebuying sentiment. On Sunday, 261 units at La Mirabelle I will be released, with average prices ranging from HK$15,335 (US$1,958) to HK$19,613 per square foot after discounts of up to 15 per cent, according to Sino Land, one of the project’s developers. The pricing marks a 1 per cent increase on the previous batch, which Sino said reflected the quality of the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349556/hong-kong-developers-roll-out-1300-homes-prices-edge-firmer-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349556/hong-kong-developers-roll-out-1300-homes-prices-edge-firmer-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:00:09 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers flocked to the second round of new flat sales at the La Mirabelle I project in Tseung Kwan O on Tuesday, underscoring continuing demand for property amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Of the 168 units offered via a price list, 152 had been sold as of 6.40pm, according to Sino Land. A further 86 flats were made available by tender. Sino is one of the project’s co-developers. The launch generated more than HK$1.1 billion (US$140 million) in revenue, the developer... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349223/hong-kong-property-launch-sees-brisk-sales-buyers-unfazed-trumps-iran-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349223/hong-kong-property-launch-sees-brisk-sales-buyers-unfazed-trumps-iran-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:26:19 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong developers are raising prices of new homes this week following sold-out launches in recent days, further testing the appetite of homebuyers amid geopolitical and interest rate uncertainties. Henderson Land Development put another 39 units at its Chester project in Hung Hom on sale on Monday, with 25 homes finding buyers, according to agents. With an average discounted price of HK$22,198 (US$2,831) per square foot, the units were priced 4.57 per cent higher than the 123 units that sold... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349172/hong-kong-developers-test-homebuyers-modest-price-increases-after-sell-outs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349172/hong-kong-developers-test-homebuyers-modest-price-increases-after-sell-outs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:30:44 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal A proposed cap on the ground rents paid by leasehold homeowners in England and Wales is seen as favouring foreign property investors, including those from Hong Kong and mainland China, but another measure tightening rules in setting rents is dampening demand ahead of its implementation, according to analysts. An estimated 203,000 homes in England and Wales are registered to owners with an overseas address. Hongkongers hold 14 per cent, making them the largest group of foreign investors in the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349067/how-changes-home-rental-laws-england-will-impact-hong-kong-mainland-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349067/how-changes-home-rental-laws-england-will-impact-hong-kong-mainland-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:00:07 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s New World Development (NWD) has shelved plans to acquire the remaining stakes in three commercial sites in Causeway Bay, signalling continued caution among developers despite signs of improving demand in the core office market. The company, which has been selling assets to reduce debt, said it would “exercise prudence as appropriate, having regard to cost and efficiency, as well as overall market supply and demand, with a view to delivering reasonable returns”. NWD, which reported... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348834/new-world-pulls-back-causeway-bay-acquisition-amid-uneven-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348834/new-world-pulls-back-causeway-bay-acquisition-amid-uneven-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:34:41 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s property transactions crossed 7,000 for the sixth consecutive month in March – the first time in four years that monthly volumes stayed above this level – despite a slight fall last month, according to official data. Residential transactions declined by about 5.3 per cent to 6,316 from a month earlier, while their month-on-month value decreased by 4.19 per cent to HK$55.18 billion (US$7.04 billion), according to data from the Land Registry on Thursday. New and lived-in home sales... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348739/hong-kongs-property-deals-exceed-7000-6-straight-months-march?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348739/hong-kongs-property-deals-exceed-7000-6-straight-months-march?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:24:36 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Prime office supply in mainland Chinese cities and Hong Kong is estimated to peak this year, while demand remains hampered by an economic slowdown and global uncertainties, according to Cushman & Wakefield. At the end of 2025, premium office inventory in 21 major cities in Greater China – including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, as well as Taiwan – amounted to 99.2 million square metres (1.07 billion sq ft), up 4.6 million square metres or 8.4 per cent from a year earlier,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348648/mainland-china-hong-kong-premium-office-supply-peak-demand-lags-cushman-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348648/mainland-china-hong-kong-premium-office-supply-peak-demand-lags-cushman-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:30:13 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers snapped up new launches on Tuesday as developers accelerated sales amid concerns over slower rate cuts and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. By about 3.50pm, all 254 flats released at the La Mirabelle project in Tseung Kwan O had been sold, according to market agents. “Today’s positive sales results at La Mirabelle is a vote of confidence for the Hong Kong residential market,” said Daryl Ng, chairman of Sino Group. “The Hong Kong residential market fundamentals are... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348547/hong-kong-homebuyers-pile-new-launches-despite-rate-jitters-and-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348547/hong-kong-homebuyers-pile-new-launches-despite-rate-jitters-and-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:49:52 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hongkongers Oscar and Stella Chan, a couple in their late 60s, have little interest in moving into a traditional residential care home. The retired civil servants rent a flat in Ma On Shan in the New Territories and, while they acknowledge that ageing at home is not always “as straightforward as it sounds”, they believe conventional care homes can “feel restrictive”. “If my financial situation and health allow, I would much prefer not to stay in a residential care home for the elderly,” Oscar... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348254/hong-kongs-ageing-challenge-singapores-kampung-admiralty-model-answer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348254/hong-kongs-ageing-challenge-singapores-kampung-admiralty-model-answer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:30:08 +0000 Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal China’s electric vehicle (EV) king BYD posted its first annual profit drop in four years as it faced intensifying competition from domestic rivals in a cutthroat market. The Shenzhen-based company reported a net profit of 32.6 billion yuan (US$4.72 billion) for 2025, down 18.97 per cent from a year earlier, according to a filing to the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges. That missed a consensus forecast of 35.4 billion yuan in a Bloomberg survey of analysts. Revenue grew 3.46 per cent to... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348207/byds-four-year-profit-run-ends-eyes-global-markets-next-engine-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348207/byds-four-year-profit-run-ends-eyes-global-markets-next-engine-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:12 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong developers on Friday released 222 new flats in Kowloon, the city’s largest batch of units on a single day since buyers were warned about the uncertain direction of interest rates. K&K Property launched 122 one-bedroom units at foto+, a single residential tower in Mong Kok close to Olympic station, while Wang On Properties put 100 units up for sale at the Connext project in Wong Tai Sin. By 7pm Friday, 103 of the foto+ units had found buyers. Sales at Connext, meanwhile, kicked off at... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348175/hong-kong-developers-test-market-222-units-released-amid-interest-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348175/hong-kong-developers-test-market-222-units-released-amid-interest-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:30:11 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices rose 1.6 per cent in February, marking the 11th straight month of positive movement for the residential property segment, as the city’s rents scaled another peak, according to official data. Since reversing a downward trend in April, second-hand home prices had climbed nearly 8 per cent so far, bringing the official index to a 22-month high, according to data released on Friday by the Rating and Valuation Department. The latest monthly increment was also larger... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348081/hong-kong-home-prices-surge-near-two-year-high-iran-war-clouds-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348081/hong-kong-home-prices-surge-near-two-year-high-iran-war-clouds-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:04:50 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal,Themis Qi Cheryl Arcibal,Themis Qi China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the country’s largest producer of offshore crude oil and natural gas, aims to further boost production this year amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. The plan came after the state-backed company reported an 11.5 per cent drop in net profit to 122.08 billion yuan (US$17.7 billion) in 2025, owing to low oil prices during the year, even though it produced record-high volumes of the commodities. Its revenue in the period also dipped by... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348035/chinas-cnooc-boost-oil-and-gas-output-amid-middle-east-strife?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348035/chinas-cnooc-boost-oil-and-gas-output-amid-middle-east-strife?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:36:39 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s biggest free-to-air broadcaster swung to a profit of HK$59 million (US$7.5 million) in 2025 from a loss of HK$491 million a year earlier, as threefold growth in revenue from the Greater Bay Area helped shake off a streak of annual losses that began in 2018. Television Broadcasts (TVB) said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday that 2025 revenue fell 2 per cent from a year earlier to HK$3.19 billion, while it trimmed total costs, excluding depreciation and amortisation, by 4.9 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347895/hong-kongs-tvb-logs-us75-million-profit-shaking-seven-years-losses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347895/hong-kongs-tvb-logs-us75-million-profit-shaking-seven-years-losses?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:15:42 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Regal Hotels International Holdings and its units have sold the 494-room Regal Oriental Hotel for about HK$1.52 billion (US$194 million) to the real estate investment arm of Centaline Group, which operates one of Hong Kong’s largest property agency networks, to be converted into a student hostel. Regal Hotels and affiliates Century City International Holdings and Paliburg Holdings agreed to dispose of the 17-storey hotel on Sa Po Road, including two basement floors, the group said in a filing... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347571/regals-us194-million-hotel-sale-highlights-investor-push-hong-kong-student-housing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347571/regals-us194-million-hotel-sale-highlights-investor-push-hong-kong-student-housing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:13:39 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hongkonger Katie Chan was hoping to buy a flat to live in, and although the 37-year-old accountant was in no rush, the potential longer pause in interest rate cuts could delay her decision. For Chan, the ideal mortgage would be if the one-month Hong Kong interbank offered rate (Hibor) fell below 1.95 per cent, but this year the key driver for local mortgage costs and corporate borrowing rates had only dropped to as low as 2.02 per cent, according to data tracked by the Hong Kong Association of... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347469/potential-rate-cut-pause-geopolitical-tensions-may-cloud-hong-kong-property-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347469/potential-rate-cut-pause-geopolitical-tensions-may-cloud-hong-kong-property-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:30:16 +0000 Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal Zhu Wenqian,Cheryl Arcibal Prime office vacancy rates in Hong Kong’s main business district dropped to single digits for the first time in 26 months, lifting overall rents in the city’s struggling office property market, according to JLL. The vacancy rate in Central for premium offices fell to 9.9 per cent in February from 10.1 per cent the previous month, the property consultancy said. The last time a single-digit rate was recorded for grade A offices in the district was in December 2023, when it also hit 9.9 per cent,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347209/office-vacancy-rate-hong-kongs-central-falls-single-digits-after-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347209/office-vacancy-rate-hong-kongs-central-falls-single-digits-after-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:30:12 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal,Peggy Ye Cheryl Arcibal,Peggy Ye CK Hutchison Holdings, one of the flagship companies owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s family, reported a 7 per cent increase in underlying profit for 2025, as the company predicted its businesses would face “new and perhaps unforeseen challenges” in 2026. The ports-to-telecoms conglomerate said on Thursday that underlying profit reached HK$22.3 billion (US$2.85 ‌billion) last year, compared with HK$20.8 billion a year earlier. Including a one-time ⁠accounting loss, net profit fell... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347168/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-reports-7-gain-underlying-profit-amid-unforeseen-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347168/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-reports-7-gain-underlying-profit-amid-unforeseen-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:32:39 +0000